[Summary] "Invasion of Ukraine Possible Before Olympics End"…US Deploys Additional Troops to Poland

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Seulgina Cho] Concerns are mounting that Russia may invade Ukraine before the Beijing Winter Olympics conclude. The U.S. government, judging that an invasion could occur at any time, on the 11th (local time) once again urged Americans in Ukraine to evacuate within 48 hours at the latest. Additionally, it has deployed an additional 3,000 troops to Poland, which borders Ukraine.

Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, warned during a briefing that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could happen at any moment. Sullivan stated, "I do not believe (Russian President Vladimir Putin) has made a final decision," but added, "Russia may begin the invasion with airstrikes."

He also predicted that President Putin could order the invasion before the Beijing Winter Olympics end. He emphasized repeatedly, "While we cannot pinpoint the exact date or time, there is a 'very, very' clear possibility." He further added that in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, there would be firm actions including economic sanctions and NATO military responses.

Sullivan's warning came immediately after a video call between U.S. President Joe Biden and European leaders, indicating that European countries also place significant weight on the imminent invasion theory. Besides President Biden, the video conference included leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, as well as heads of international organizations such as the European Council, European Commission, and NATO. The leaders agreed that if Russia invades Ukraine, swift and severe economic sanctions must be imposed.

AP News reported, "Sullivan's message shows that the U.S. warning about the imminent possibility of Russian military action is rapidly escalating."

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Biden immediately decided to deploy an additional 3,000 troops from the U.S. Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division to Poland. This follows last month's order for 8,500 U.S. troops to prepare for deployment to Eastern Europe. Separately, earlier this month, 1,700 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division were deployed to Poland. These forces are tasked with supporting NATO's rapid response forces in case of emergencies.

President Biden is expected to have a phone call with President Putin soon. Russian media reported that the call might take place on the 12th. Sullivan also mentioned that the two leaders would have a phone conversation but did not specify a date.

As military tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated, financial markets fluctuated on the day. The three major U.S. stock indices in New York all plunged, while international oil and gold prices rose simultaneously.

On the New York Stock Exchange that day, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 34,738.06, down 503.53 points (1.43%) from the previous day. The S&P 500 index fell 85.44 points (1.90%) to 4,418.64, and the Nasdaq index dropped 394.49 points (2.78%) to 13,791.15. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note, which had surpassed 2% the previous day, fell to around 1.93%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.